By now, Euro16 will be underway, with the usual highs and lows we’ve come to expect with any major sporting event.
One of the accompanying campaigns of this tournament is the Respect Campaign,
#CelebrateFootball, which promotes 5 key pillars of Respect:
- Diversity
- Fan Culture
- Health
- Environment
- Accessibility for All
These same elements can equally be applied to the workplace, and incorporating them at all levels can help develop a strong and united workforce.
Diversity – people from all walks of life, with different ages, backgrounds, nationalities or religion can be found working together, yet each individual has the right to work without encountering any discrimination, harassment or bullying. Whilst there is no legal definition of bullying, the HSE gives examples as:
- Ignoring or excluding someone;
- Spreading malicious rumours or gossip;
- Humiliating someone in public;
- Giving someone unachievable or meaningless tasks;
- Constantly undervaluing someone’s work performance,
and notes that bullying is often carried out by a more senior employee. By having a strong ethos and policy of respect, and zero-tolerance of any form of discrimination, along with an open-door approach for concerns to be aired and suggestions to be made, we can work with employees to offer a secure and pleasant working environment.
Fan Culture – it is important that standards and boundaries are set and communicated to all employees, as to what is acceptable behaviour in the workplace, both towards co-workers and those outside the company. Different sites and locations may require different approaches, but at all times maintaining Company principles and values should be foremost.
Health – workplace practices and procedures should promote health and safety at all times, from a simple anti-smoking message to the more involved procedures. Training must be provided to support this, and be continually reinforced at all levels.
Environment – we must strive to reduce our impact on the environment, from basic changes such as recycling and re-use of products and packaging, with careful sourcing of products and services, to investing in larger-scale projects such as switching to renewable energy and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Accessibility for All – by ensuring opportunities are available at all levels, for progression of existing employees, to recruitment of new apprentices, we can develop a motivated and valued workforce; good for the business, and good for the individual.
Enjoy Euro16, and may the best team win!
